TWU Local 100 Celebrates African American Day Parade in Harlem

SPETEMBER 20, 2026—A little bit of rain never hurt nobody, and it damn sure wasn't going to wash away the energy of the African American Day Parade.

TWU Local 100 flags waved through the wet streets of Harlem as membersdanced along the route, refusing to let the weather dampen the celebration. On the Local 100 parade float, DJ Danny Dee kept the music going and the crowd moving, turning a rainy afternoon into a rolling party through Harlem. It was definitely a vibe.

Members danced on the float, marched alongside it, and celebrated with the community lining the parade route as Local 100 proudly took part in a tradition honoring African American culture.

And no parade celebration would be complete without some good food. Members were treated to Harlem's own Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, serving up soul food and giving everyone another reason to enjoy the day despite the rain.

But amid the music, food, dancing, and celebration, there was also union business to talk about.

President John V. Chiarello joined members along the parade route and reminded them that while Local 100 was there to proudly celebrate, the union remains in the fight for a fair contract.

“We need our contract now,” Chiarello told members.

“We deserve it as the people who move New York every single day, through the assaults, through the attacks, on the tracks, above ground and underground.”

The President also spoke about the importance of Local 100 members continuing to show up together and making their presence known.

“Every time we show up and show out with more and more people, that means votes. Votes matter, elections matter, and choices matter,” Chiarello said. “If you’re a friend of ours and you’re a politician, now is the time to show that you’re our friend.”

It was a message that fit the spirit of the day. Even as the rain continued to fall, Local 100 members kept marching, dancing, waving their flags, and standing together.

The African American Day Parade gave Local 100 another opportunity to celebrate the culture and communities that so many of our members represent while also demonstrating the unity behind the union’s ongoing contract fight.

Rain or shine, Local 100 continues to show up.

See more photos from TWU Local 100 at the African American Day Parade in the Flickr gallery below.

African American Day Parade 2026